This might be hard to sum up, but I wanted to offer a space for reflection as to what the “takeaways” are from this course and the series. Big thoughts, little thoughts, whatever – but what do you think is going to stick with you?

As you start working on your research projects, you should look to the published scholarship about The Wire as useful sources. As of now, there is one published book of essays, The Wire: Urban Decay & American Television (edited by Tiffany Potter & C.W. Marshall) that is on reserve for our course (PN1992.77.W53 W57 2009) – you can view the table of contents on the publisher’s page. There are also two theme issues of academic journals on the show: an issue of dark matter (an online journal) and Film Quarterly (available on-campus through this link).

It is essential that you look through these sources for potential research that relates to your projects. However, note that until we’ve finished the series, many essays will reveal crucial plot points from season 5, so tread lightly for spoilers or plan to start digging in on May 4.

If you find other sources that are helpful, please post links or citations to them in the comment thread here.